How Many Players Play Friday the 13th: The Game?
Friday the 13th: The Game features an asymmetrical multiplayer experience where up to seven players assume the roles of Camp Crystal Lake counselors, pitted against one player controlling the iconic Jason Voorhees. This 7v1 setup creates a thrilling, suspenseful, and often terrifying gaming experience. While the game’s future is finite, the question of how many are playing right now is a bit more nuanced than just raw numbers.
The Allure of Asymmetrical Horror
The core appeal of Friday the 13th: The Game lies in its asymmetrical design. Counselors must work together (or against each other, depending on player choice!) to escape Camp Crystal Lake, survive until the police arrive, or even attempt to kill Jason. Jason, on the other hand, stalks the map, using his unique abilities to hunt down and eliminate the counselors one by one. This power imbalance is what makes the game so engaging. The tension of being hunted, coupled with the power fantasy of playing as Jason, makes for a uniquely replayable experience.
Current Player Base & the Future of Online Play
While exact player counts are difficult to ascertain due to the lack of publicly available data from the developers, the game maintains a dedicated community even as it approaches the end of its official lifecycle. It’s safe to say the numbers aren’t as high as they were at launch, but the devoted fans keep the game alive.
Here’s the crucial detail: on the end of December 2023, the game was delisted from all platforms preventing new purchases. However, the developers have maintained the backend servers allowing the online gameplay to continue. This means that those who already own the game can still jump in and play!
The bad news? On the end of December 2024, the backend servers will be shut down completely ending the online gameplay for all platforms. Enjoy the game while you can!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Friday the 13th: The Game
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide more in-depth information about Friday the 13th: The Game, its history, and its future.
1. Are Friday the 13th: The Game servers still active?
Yes, as of now! While the game was delisted at the end of December 2023, the servers remain active. You can still play online with other players. But be warned, on the end of December 2024, the backend servers will be shut down completely ending the online gameplay for all platforms.
2. Why was Friday the 13th: The Game delisted?
The developer’s license for the Friday the 13th IP expired on December 31, 2023. This means that Gun Interactive and IllFonic no longer have the rights to sell the game.
3. Will Friday the 13th: The Game ever come back?
Unfortunately, given the complex legal issues surrounding the Friday the 13th franchise, it is unlikely that the game will return in its current form. However, never say never!
4. How many copies of Friday the 13th: The Game were sold?
Friday the 13th: The Game sold approximately 1.8 million copies.
5. Why did development on Friday the 13th: The Game stop?
Development ceased due to legal disputes surrounding the Friday the 13th franchise. This halted the creation of new content, maps, and characters.
6. What platforms is Friday the 13th: The Game playable on?
Friday the 13th: The Game is playable on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It is also playable on PS5 via backward compatibility.
7. Is Friday the 13th: The Game worth playing in 2023 and 2024?
If you already own the game, absolutely! It’s still a fun and unique asymmetrical horror experience, and until December 2024, you can still enjoy online play. However, new players can no longer purchase the game.
8. What happens when the servers shut down in December 2024?
Once the backend servers are shut down, the game will no longer be playable online. It will effectively become unplayable unless a community develops a private server solution.
9. Who owns the Friday the 13th franchise?
The rights to the Friday the 13th franchise are complicated, involving both Victor Miller (the writer of the original screenplay) and Sean Cunningham (the director and producer). This legal battle contributed to the development halt of the game.
10. Is Friday the 13th: The Game kid-friendly?
No, Friday the 13th: The Game is not kid-friendly. It contains graphic violence, gore, and mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences.
11. What is the objective of the counselors in Friday the 13th: The Game?
Counselors must escape Camp Crystal Lake by repairing vehicles (car or boat), calling the police, surviving until time runs out, or defeating Jason.
12. What are Jason’s abilities in Friday the 13th: The Game?
Jason has several unique abilities, including:
- Morph: Teleporting to different locations on the map.
- Sense: Detecting nearby counselors.
- Shift: Moving quickly across the map.
- Stalk: Becoming nearly invisible.
- Rage: Enhancing his abilities and making him unstoppable.
13. Who are some of the best counselors to play as in Friday the 13th: The Game?
Popular counselor choices include Vanessa Jones (high speed and stamina), Chad Kensington (high composure), and Adam Palomino (balanced stats). Different counselors cater to different playstyles.
14. What is the significance of the level 150 update?
The level 150 update automatically leveled up all players to the maximum level, granting them access to all perks and Jason’s kills. This was done as a final gesture to the community before the game was delisted.
15. Is there a single-player mode in Friday the 13th: The Game?
While the game primarily focuses on multiplayer, there is an offline “Virtual Cabin” mode and a set of single-player challenges that allow players to experience the game without other players.
The Legacy of Camp Crystal Lake
Friday the 13th: The Game, despite its limited lifespan, has left a significant mark on the horror gaming landscape. Its asymmetrical multiplayer format, faithful recreation of the Friday the 13th universe, and tense gameplay made it a memorable experience for fans of the franchise.
Even with the impending server shutdown, the memories and experiences forged in the virtual Camp Crystal Lake will continue to resonate with players for years to come. If you are interested in games and learning, check out Games Learning Society and all of its articles about similar topics at GamesLearningSociety.org.